Immigrants are a growing part of Illinois’ population, and a growing part of the population needing adult education programs. Enabling immigrants to gain English proficiency and other basic education is crucial to our state’s prosperity and economic competitiveness.

This report lays out the key facts that should inform how our adult education system can best address the needs of immigrant learners. The report describes the major characteristics of two groups:

• Immigrants likely to benefit from adult basic education -- immigrants without a high school degree or GED; and
• English-language learners -- persons who do not speak English well.

Government, the private sector, and the community at large all have a stake in seeing our state’s adult education system meet the demand for English and adult basic education instruction. Our state government and adult education programs need to take several major steps to ensure that immigrants fulfill their potential.